Mutual Care

It is better to prepare for the worst but still hope for the best. Selfishness can cause harm to others. Complying with the health protocols in a disciplined manner will not only protect yourself, but others as well.

KOMPAS

Screenshot from the broadcast of the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan giving a press statement regarding the evaluation of the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM), Monday (7/2/2022)..

The government has again tightened community restrictions by reimposing level 3 of the public activity restrictions (PPKM) in several areas across the country. This decision deserves appreciation.

The government’s decision on Monday (7/2/2022) follows the increase in Covid-19 cases in Greater Jakarta, Greater Bandung, Yogyakarta and Bali. The government’s decision should be appreciated. However, the policy implementation requires the cooperation of all parties. The government is more prepared now, compared to when Covid-19 first emerged in the country. Science and data have been used as benchmarks for decision-making.

Also read:

> Public Activity Restrictions Retightened

> Anticipating a Surge in Cases Outside Java and Bali

In an interview on 5 Jan. 2022 on Kompas TV’s Satu Meja (one table) program, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the total number of Omicron cases would surpass that of the Delta variant. Omicron cases would peak at the end of February 2022. No one could say for certain how many Omicron cases there would be. But looking at the experiences of other countries, Omicron spread up to three times faster than the Delta variant. The worst-case scenario, which we hoped would not happen, must still be anticipated.

According to existing data, caseloads outside Java and Bali would also surpass the Delta variant in the next three to four weeks. Centralized isolation facilities needed to be prepared, as not all residents were able to self-isolate. Telemedicine had also been developed to support residents in self-isolation. It was time for telemedicine to expand beyond Greater Jakarta.

Kompas/Bahana Patria Gupta

Residents receive booster vaccinations at the Ketabang Health Center, Surabaya City, Saturday (5/2/2022). Citizen participation in getting booster vaccinations has increased in line with the re-emergence of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.

The exponential increase in Omicron cases calls for mutual awareness and vigilance. The central government, regional administrations and the community must be on the same page to anticipate the threat. The speech and actions of leaders must also be consistent. Leaders serve as role models for their people.

The tighter restrictions should be understood as the government’s effort to prioritize the people’s safety. Even if Omicron causes milder symptoms, it should not reduce caution. Let us not become complacent on the narrative that Omicron only causes milder symptoms in people who are fully vaccinated and have had a booster dose. Perhaps a new strategy is needed to live through the pandemic.

Also read:

> Covid-19 Surge Unstoppable

> Omicron Subvariant BA.2 More Infectious

Covid-19 and its variants, whether Delta or Omicron, are all new to us. We cannot rely on past experiences such as the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, which eventually subsided after the second wave. Today, many countries are preparing to face a third wave, including Indonesia. Will the pandemic end after this wave peaks at the end of February? No one can be sure.

For this reason, togetherness, trusting each other, helping each other, strengthening each other, reminding each other and remaining vigilant and alert are our main assets in anticipating a surge in Omicron cases. It is better to prepare for the worst but still hope for the best. Selfishness can cause harm to others. Complying with the health protocols in a disciplined manner will not only protect yourself, but protect others as well.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.